Moving a company?

I just checked the Skilled Migrant Category Points Indicator, and it looks like I have 105 points, without a job offer. While this is, technically, for now, high enough to qualify, it seems a bit iffy.

I own a software development business with two other people, and all three of us are interested in relocating, with our business, to New Zealand. Does anyone know whether A) moving the business is possible (I assume if nothing else we can create a new coropration there and have it acquire our LLC here?) and B) whether bringing an enterprise and investment capital into the country counts for any points like having a job offer would? It would be nice if we could know for certain whether we are out of the 'danger zone' area for immigration or whether it would be an iffy proposition.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks much!

Hi,

As far as I know you can bring a business to NZ, but you would need to go through the Long Term Business Visa or Investor category I think. Taffy and Steve know more about this than I do so perhaps they can answer this question! :icon_question:

As for the Skilled Migrant Category, if you have 105 points anyway, this would be a much easier (and quicker!) way to get into NZ. Once you were granted residency, if you were in a job that you residency relied on, you would need to stay in that job for three months but after this, you would be free to setup your company again. If you have 105 points without a job offer anyway, once you were a resident I think you can start up a company straight away. (Someone correct me here if I'm wrong! :icon_wink: )

Good luck with it whichever route you decide to take.

Jod

Hi,

I don't know if I can help with your query but we have just gone down the LTBV route so can tell you a bit about what happened in our situation if you like.

We were told that we could either keep the Company open in the UK, provided we could show that we had management in place, so that our time on the NZ business would not be encroached upon; alternatively we could close the UK side (which must be stipulated in the application) and export to the UK from NZ.

If you have investment you may be able to get a visa based on that alone... not sure how that works though sorry.

Our visa came through relatively quickly (3 months from Lodgement date) but by all accounts LTBV is supposed to be the toughest and most expensive route in. Apparently it is not advisable to DIY this application unless you are confident that your business plan and financials can impress the case officer.

We used an agent at Pathways to New Zealand http://www.immigration-nz.com/ He was very helpful, even before we handed over any cash!

Cal

[kokopeli]

Man, 105 is 5 more than you need!